Energy efficiency: These upgrades increase the value of your property and save money

Author: Bernhard Bircher-Suits, FundCom AG

According to the Energie Schweiz programme, more than a million houses in Switzerland are in urgent need of energy renovation. The building sector is responsible for around a third of CO2 emissions, while more than half of buildings in Switzerland are heated using fossil fuels such as oil or gas.

Better thermal insulation can reduce heat demand by more than half, and switching to renewable energies reduces CO2 emissions to almost zero. However, the renovation rate in Switzerland is only 1% per year. According to the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, this rate would have to be doubled to 2 % to achieve the Swiss climate targets.

So the need for renovation and the potential for greater energy efficiency are huge – and maybe your building could be part of that change?

New Electricity Act: stricter guidelines to boost energy efficiency

Homeowners need to take action, as Switzerland’s increasingly stringent guidelines for energy consumption and CO2 reduction measures now apply. The cantonal model regulations, a key element of Swiss building policy, will be revised by 2025. Stricter energy efficiency regulations and building insulation requirements are planned.

The new Electricity Act also creates incentives for energy-efficient technologies. Financial support for costly energy efficiency measures is available from the federal government, cantons and municipalities.

Climate protection, energy cost savings, living comfort, value retention

Ideally, renovating your property to make it more energy efficient should pay off in several respects: it’s good for the climate, reduces energy costs, increases living comfort and helps preserve the value of the building. According to the trades platform Buildigo.ch, the value of a property that has been fully renovated for energy efficiency increases by between 10 and 20 %.

But which specific energy weak spots should you address in your property? A cantonal building energy certificate (GEAK) will help you understand where your property is wasting a lot of energy and where you should start.

Insulation: a key step towards greater energy efficiency

But where does the greatest savings potential usually lie? Buildings more than 40 years old that have not been renovated for energy efficiency and are heated using fossil fuels generally have great potential to reduce energy consumption and climate impact. In these buildings, the façade, windows and roof are often poorly insulated or not insulated at all.

Anyone who owns a house that was built between 1950 and 1980, for instance, should know that an average house loses about a third of the thermal energy that it generates via the roof. Another third is lost via the façade. The rest escapes through the windows or the cellar. If you want to renovate a building with a view to improving energy efficiency, it’s best to tackle these energy leaks.

• Loft and roof: Insulating the roof or loft can reduce heat loss by 7 to 15 %.

• External walls: Façade insulation can save 11 to 20 % of your heating energy.

• Cellar ceiling and floor slab: A lot of heat can also be lost from below. Insulating the cellar ceiling is comparatively simple and effective. Energy-saving potential: 7 to 11 %.

Michael Hügli is the managing director of the Swiss trades network Buildigo.ch. It can help you find the best tradespeople in your area. On the matter of a simple and worthwhile energy-saving measure, he says, ‘One small but very helpful measure is insulating the cellar ceiling and the hot water pipes.’

Windows and doors: minimising thermal bridges

Windows and doors are often obvious weak points in the building envelope. Replacing old windows with modern thermally insulated windows can make a big difference in energy terms. Sealing doors and windows can also help prevent draughts and increase the energy efficiency of your property.

Optimising or renewing your heating system

A modern heating system can also reduce energy consumption. Here are some options:

• Heat pumps: These use ambient heat and are particularly environmentally friendly.

• Solar thermal energy: By installing solar panels on the roof, you can generate hot water and supplement your heating system.

Energy-efficient heating pays off

And a new heating system can pay off in the long term: according to the Energie Schweiz programme, the cost of investing in an oil-fired heating system is CHF 13,700 lower than an air-to-water heat pump. This heating system pays off in the medium to long term thanks to significantly lower energy costs. At present, the average energy cost of a heat pump is around CHF 3,300 per year, while the average for oil-fired heating is CHF 4,500.

In addition, the heat pump emits around 9,500 kg less greenhouse gases each year than conventional oil-fired heating.

Using renewable energy

The Swiss government’s Energy Strategy 2050 sends a clear signal about the expansion of renewable energy in Switzerland: the aim is for the energy supply to be 100 % renewable by 2050. Renewable energy isn’t just good for the environment; it can also save money in the long term.

• Photovoltaic system: With your own solar panel installation, you produce your own electricity and become less susceptible to rising energy prices.

• Solar thermal energy: This system uses solar energy to provide hot water and supplement your heating system.

In summary: By taking targeted measures, you can not only improve the energy efficiency of your property, but also increase its value and your quality of life. Get your home fit for a climate-friendly, energy-efficient future:

Your roadmap to greater energy efficiency at a glance

• Survey: Book a GEAK energy efficiency consultation to find out the current condition of your property.

• Set priorities: Start with the measures that will give you the biggest savings.

• Take advantage of funding opportunities: Find out about government funding programmes and subsidies for energy-related renovations. N.B.: As a rule, you must submit funding applications before construction work begins. Ask your tradesperson to help you with this if necessary.

• Planning and implementation: To make sure nothing goes wrong, it’s best to work with specialists to carry out the renovations professionally and efficiently.

Financial tips for energy-related renovations

• Budget: Complete renovations are usually due every 25 to 30 years. Owners should build up reserves of at least 1% of their property’s value every year.

• Taxes: Private individuals may deduct value-preserving renovation and conversion work from their taxable income. Value-adding work, on the other hand, is not deductible. The exception is energy-saving investments. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, clarify your tax deductibility with the tax office in advance and have it confirmed in writing.

• Financing: An energy-efficient renovation can quickly reach costs of several hundred thousand francs. After planning, check your financing options. Banks often support energy-related renovations with specific mortgage products.